Free or reduced-price school meals near you
The USDA National School Lunch Program (NSLP) + School Breakfast Program (SBP) feed 30+ million kids daily during the school year. Eligible kids get free or reduced-price meals at school.
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Who qualifies?
- Free meals: household income ≤130% of federal poverty level
- Reduced-price meals: household income 130-185% of FPL ($0.30 breakfast / $0.40 lunch)
- Categorical eligibility: kids in households receiving SNAP, TANF, or FDPIR are automatically eligible (no application needed)
- Community Eligibility Provision (CEP): in some districts ALL kids get free meals regardless of income — no application
How to apply
- Pick up a meal application from your kid's school office (or download from district website)
- Fill out household size + income
- Return to school. Decision usually within 10 days.
- If denied, you can appeal — most districts have a fair-hearing process.
Special programs
- Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) when school is out — see /summer-meals-near-me
- Afterschool snack program at qualifying schools
- Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) at qualifying elementary schools
- Special Milk Program at schools without lunch programs (rare)
For school food service directors
If you operate school meal sites, claim your listings at our partner portal.
Frequently asked questions
Who qualifies for free school meals?
Households at or below 130% of the federal poverty level qualify for free meals. 130-185% of FPL get reduced-price meals. Kids in SNAP, TANF, or FDPIR households are automatically eligible.
What is the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP)?
CEP lets high-poverty schools serve free meals to ALL students with no applications. Over 22,000 schools use CEP — ask your school whether they participate.
How do I apply?
Pick up a meal application from your kid's school office or district website. Decision usually within 10 days. Renew each school year.
What happens during summer?
The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) takes over. Free meals at parks, churches, libraries — see /summer-meals-near-me.
Are reduced-price meals worth it?
Yes. At 30 cents breakfast and 40 cents lunch, that's about $14/kid/month. Many districts also have meal-debt forgiveness.